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Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Half of Brits support devolution in England & Wales

The latest poll conducted by ComRes for ITV News reveals that half of Britons (48%) support more decision making powers being devolved to English and Welsh cities and regions, although half (47%) oppose Wales having an independence referendum.

63% of the population believe that Scotland remaining part of the UK is good for Britain, compared to 14% who say it is bad for Britain. However, more than half of Britons (54%) support the idea of not allowing Scottish MPs in the UK Parliament in Westminster to vote on issues that do not impact on Scotland.

While nearly one third (30%) of Britons say that they do not care whether Scotland becomes independent, more than half (54%) disagree.

Just one in three Britons (31%) think that David Cameron should resign if Scotland becomes independent - half (48%) think not. Ed Miliband is perceived as slightly less culpable, with just one in four (24%) saying he should resign as Leader of the Labour Party if Scotland becomes independent.

Tom Mludzinski, Head of Political Polling at ComRes said: "Whatever the result of the referendum, the United Kingdom as we know it will be dramatically different. Greater devolution around the UK, and the West Lothian question are now creeping up the agenda and this poll demonstrates that there is some appetite for answers to the big questions thrown up south of the border as a result of the referendum campaign."

Detailed Findings:

Q. Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?

David Cameron should resign as Prime Minister if Scotland votes to become independent

Agree 31%

Disagree48%

Don't Know21%

Even if Scotland votes to remain in the United Kingdom but the result is very close, David Cameron should resign as Prime Minister

Agree 25%

Disagree 53%

Don't Know 22%

Ed Miliband should resign as Leader of the Labour Party if Scotland votes to become independent

Agree 24%

Disagree 52%

Don't Know 25%

Base: All GB adults (n=2,052).

Q. Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?

Scotland's economy would be worse off if it were an independent country

Agree 60%

Disagree 16%

Don't know 24%

If Scotland becomes an independent country, the UK's standing around the world will be harmed

Agree 40%

Disagree 33%

Don't know 27%

I don't care if Scotland becomes independent or not

Agree 30%

Disagree 54%

Don't know 16%

Scotland deserves to be an independent country

Agree 26%

Disagree 41%

Don't know 33%

Scotland would thrive as an independent country

Agree 16%

Disagree 54%

Don't know 30%

The UK is better off without Scotland

Agree 14%

Disagree 60%

Don't know 26%

Base: All GB adults (n=2,052).

Q. Regardless of the result of the Scottish referendum, Scotland is likely to receive more decision making powers. Do you support or oppose each of the following?

Not allowing Scottish MPs in the UK Parliament in Westminster to vote on issues that do not impact on Scotland

Support 54%

Oppose 23%

Don't know 24%

Giving more decision making powers on issues such as tax, education, policing to big cities and regions in England and Wales